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Contents
Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for infants—neither on its own nor mixed in a bottle. In this post, you will learn why, what generally applies to baby food, and who to contact if you have questions about your baby’s nutrition.
Why donkey milk is not a baby food
During their first few months of life, babies have very specific requirements for energy, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Breast milk naturally meets these requirements. If a baby is not breastfed or cannot be breastfed, infant formula is available. Its composition is regulated in the EU by its own strict standards.
Donkey milk, on the other hand, is a regular food. It is not formulated to feed infants and does not meet these standards. For example, donkey milk is very low in fat—usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml. However, fat is an important source of energy for babies. This alone shows that donkey milk cannot simply replace breast milk or infant formula.
What is in donkey milk
To help you understand its composition, here are the approximate values per 100 ml:
- Energy: around 35–45 kcal
- Fat: about 0.3–1.8 g, usually less than 1 g
- Protein: about 1.5–1.9 g
- Lactose: about 6–7 g
- Calcium: about 60–90 mg
Donkey milk also naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. These components are not a reason to use donkey milk for babies. We only mention them to provide a complete description. You can find more details in the post Donkey Milk: Ingredients and Nutritional Values.
Similarity to breast milk: no reason to use it in a bottle
You will often read that donkey milk is similar to breast milk. Some individual values may be in a similar range. However, when feeding a baby, the complete composition matters—and they do not match. Therefore, such a comparison is not a basis for using donkey milk for infants.
We also do not recommend mixing small amounts of donkey milk into infant formula. Infant formula should be prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. Any unauthorized changes can alter the carefully balanced ratio of nutrients.
Intolerance in your baby: what matters now
Some parents turn to donkey milk because their baby does not tolerate cow’s milk or a milk allergy is suspected. Here, a clear warning is important:
- Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose—and with about 6–7 g per 100 ml, it actually contains more lactose than cow’s milk.
- If an intolerance or allergy is suspected, your pediatrician will decide on the next steps.
- Do not change your baby’s diet on your own.
And later—during the weaning stage and beyond?
Even as your child grows older and starts weaning foods, consulting your doctor remains the right approach. Whether and from what age donkey milk is suitable for your child should be discussed with your pediatrician. We deliberately do not provide our own age recommendations or quantity guidelines.
For adults, donkey milk is a special food with a mild, slightly sweet taste. You can read why it is so rare in Why Donkey Milk Is So Rare.
Why we changed our previous text
Previously, this section featured a post describing donkey milk as a possible supplement to baby food. We have completely revised it. Babies need breast milk or infant formula specifically designed for them. We do not want to cause any uncertainty when it comes to the nutrition of the very young.
Good sources of support for parents
You are not alone if you have questions about your baby’s nutrition. The following people and organizations can support you:
- your pediatrician, for example during routine check-ups,
- your midwife, especially during the first few weeks after birth,
- a breastfeeding consultant, if you have questions about breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my baby donkey milk?
Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for infants. If you have questions about your baby’s nutrition, speak to your pediatrician.
Can I mix small amounts of donkey milk into a bottle?
We do not recommend this. Infant formula should be prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions, without any unauthorized additions.
Is donkey milk an alternative for babies with a cow’s milk intolerance?
Donkey milk also contains milk protein and lactose. Your pediatrician will determine whether an alternative is necessary at all and which one is suitable.
From what age can children have donkey milk?
We do not provide a general recommendation. Please speak with your child’s pediatrician.
Donkey milk is a food, not a medicine. If you have health-related questions, please consult your doctor.
